World's Top Players On Track At Grand Central Terminal In New York

In its eighth year at New York's world-famous Grand Central Terminal, the 2006 Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions brings to the USA a glittering cast of the world's top squash players, including eight former world number ones and all the men's champions since 1996.

Grand Central's only annual sports event will take place on a state-of-the-art all-glass squash court in the Vanderbilt Hall, from 25 February to 3 March. The event combines a PSA Super Series Silver event for men and a WISPA Silver Event for women.

"This year's tournament is shaping up to be one of the best ever and we are proud to once again be the title sponsor," said Jimmy Cayne, chairman and chief executive officer of Bear Stearns. "If history is any indication it will be a week filled with exciting and intense competition."

Leading the entries on the men's side are six players who have been ranked No1 in the world - Peter Nicol (England), Jonathon Power (Canada), Thierry Lincou (France), Lee Beachill (England), John White (Scotland), and the current No1 David Palmer of Australia. Also on board are two former champions who between them owned the Tournament of Champions title from 1996 until 2004 - four-time champion Jonathon Power and three-time titleholder Peter Nicol.

Not to be counted out is current World Champion Amr Shabana of Egypt or defending champion Anthony Ricketts of Australia, for whom last year's crown was the first major title of his career.

Defending champion Vanessa Atkinson of the Netherlands, who was ranked world No1 last year and has twice this year defeated current world No1 Nicol David, will top the draw in the women's battle for the title. Last year's runner-up Linda Elriani, of England, and fellow veteran Natalie Grainger - the top US player who is also a former world No1 - can expect challenges from England's rising stars Vicky Botwright and Jenny Duncalf.

"Over the past nine years in Grand Central Terminal, we have created one of the world's most unique and exciting sports events," said Tournament Director John Nimick. "The players all look forward to this championship. The energy from our sold-out crowds, the opportunity to be seen by the public and the trademark New York intensity brings out the best in their games. And they are thrilled to play in of the world's great architectural landmarks."

In addition to showcasing the world's best players, the Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions also highlights the work of two urban squash programs - StreetSquash and CitySquash. These after-school programmes offer youngsters in Harlem and the Bronx the opportunity to participate in year-long squash training and life skill development programmes that include academics, community service and mentoring.

In addition to title sponsor Bear Stearns, additional major event sponsors include 170 East End Ave. and Dolan Pollack and Schram's three premier destination properties: the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club, Snake River Sporting Club and Greenbrier Sporting Club. Associate sponsors include Bloomberg, Guinness, Dunlop, Grand Hyatt New York, the Campbell Apartment and the Columbia University Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine.